Tenn. refinery worker dies after chemical exposure

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — An oil refinery worker has died after being exposed to propane and acid at a Valero plant in Memphis.

He is the second person to die this year from an on-the-job injury at the plant.

The plant has been cited for violations related to the safe handling and control of hazardous energy and chemicals.

Fire Department spokesman Wayne Cooke says two workers were injured when a sight glass on a pump ruptured, exposing them to a mixture of propane and hydrofluoric acid. A sight glass is a transparent tube or window that allows workers to monitor fluid levels within a tank, pipe, pump or boiler.

One of the workers died at the hospital. The second worker and two firefighters have non-critical injuries.

Company spokesman Bill Day says Valero is investigating and that safety is it most important concern.